Research presents a dizzying array of terms and concepts to understand. This new book gives an overview of the important elements across nursing and health research in 42 short, straightforward chapters. Drawing on a range of perspectives from contributors with diverse experience, it will help you to understand what research means, how it is done, and what conclusions you can draw from it in your practice. Topics covered range from action research to systematic review to questionnaires. Every chapter includes a case study.

It will be invaluable reading for nursing students at pre-registration level, undergraduate allied health students and for qualified practitioners needing a quick guide to the essentials.

Annette McIntosh-Scott is Executive Dean in the Faculty of Health and Social Care at the University of Chester.Tom Mason was Professor and Head of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities at the University of Chester. Elizabeth Mason-Whitehead is Professor of Social and Health Care in the Faculty of Health and Social Care at the University of Chester. David Coyle is a Lecturer in the School of Healthcare Sciences at Bangor University.

`A useful introductory text for first time researchers - it provides a "one stop shop" for a very wide range of issues.'

-- Anna Walsh, Senior Lecturer, Northumbria University

'The range of concepts addressed makes this an excellent resource for those studying and undertaking research. Each chapter presents information in a clear and accessible manner as well as providing guidance for further reading. A helpful resource in its own right as well as a launch-pad for further study'

-- Ruth Northway, Professor of Learning Disability Nursing, University of GlamorganThis is an authoritative and rich resource for any student or healthcare researcher to add to their list of essential resources. I recommend it with little reservation for the unique breadth it offers, rarely at the expense of practical depth given the necessary brevity. Forty-two chapters, organised in four sections divided between Research Principles, Qualitative Methods, Quantitative Methods and a final section on the principle steps of the Research Process. That is quite a repository of Key Concepts and the editors and contributors are to be congratulated for such an achievement. -- John Mellor-Clark, Research ConsultantAnyone involved in healthcare, from students to senior practitioners, will find this book of use to them. As an introduction to research, by allowing the reader to understand the process by which evidence on which to base practice is gained, the book is a valuable addition to any library. However its value to the seasoned researcher requiring a quick aide memoire should also not be under-estimated. -- Allison Crocker, emergency department staff nurse, Poole General Hospital

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